Nuts pack fiber and antioxidants that promote a healthy microbiome. But when it comes to building a gut-healthy diet, walnuts are especially recommended.
Walnuts provide fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids may enhance the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, as well as helping to reduce gut inflammation—both crucial for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. Walnuts also support production of butyric acid, which is associated with less inflammation of the intestinal tract and improved digestion.
Walnuts contain a plethora of antioxidant compounds that protect the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. One review of 33 studies suggests that eating walnuts as part of a healthy diet may help reduce overall disease risk, including the risk of colorectal cancer.
“The #1 Nut for Gut Health, According to a Gastroenterologist,” Yahoo!Life, Aug. 29, 2024.
A new study from England has found a link between cooking at high temperatures and lung cancer. It reviewed three studies comprising 3,734 participants, all focusing on Chinese women using traditional cooking methods in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
They found that fumes from cooking oils heated to high temperature contain volatile organic compounds which put people at risk for lung cancer when inhaled. Deep-frying posed the highest risk, followed by pan-frying and stir-frying. Cooking three meals per day was associated with a threefold higher risk than cooking one.
The study also found that ventilation hoods showed a protective effect against lung cancer in never smokers.
“Exposure to Cooking Fumes Linked to Increased Risk for Lung Cancer in Never Smokers,” Medscape, June 30, 2025.
A breakthrough study published in Nature has added to the evidence that getting outside daily is good for us.
Researchers found that the sun’s long wavelength red light penetrates deeply into the human body. It reaches internal organs, improves physiological function—particularly in the visual system—and boosts energy production.
Study author Glen Jeffery, a professor at the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London, says that this deep red, healing light can penetrate through clothing. It improves vision even when that part of the light is not directly hitting the eye.
“The best way of harnessing this healing light energy is walking outside in sunlight or using old incandescent lightbulbs in your house that are rich in infrared light,” Jeffery says. He points out that “our body responds best to this light in the morning because that’s when we are most receptive to it.”
“Sunlight Passes Through Body, Improves Vision,” Newsmax, July 9, 2025.
Overall, one in three US adults report chronic loneliness—a condition so detrimental that it rivals smoking and obesity with respect to its negative effect on health and well-being. Associated with health issues from anxiety and depression to life-threatening conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, loneliness is more than an emotion—it’s a serious threat to both the brain and body.
Vivek Murthy served as the 19th and the 21st surgeon general of the United States. Before leaving office in January 2025, he wrote his parting prescription for America, in which he highlights the benefits of helping others. He comments, “When it comes to loneliness and building community, service is one of the most powerful antidotes we have to loneliness.”
“Silent Epidemic: Loneliness a Serious Threat to Both Brain and Body,” Medscape Medical News, Nov. 4, 2024.
“Volunteering and service to others could help with the loneliness epidemic,” NPR transcript, May 28, 2025.
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